Synthesis of tritium labeled arbaprostil and related 15-methyl prostaglandins

This report describes the synthesis of arbaprostil, a cytoprotective antiulcer agent, and a group of related 15-methylprostaglandins, labeled with tritium at the C-11 position, from 15(R)- and 15(S)-15-methylprostaglandin D2 methyl esters. Radiolytic decomposition of the labeled product and some intermediates, and purification by preparative high performance liquid chromatography, and storage of [3H]-arbaprostil are also discussed. (author)